Travelling

Courtesy of: Travel Thoughts PH

 

I first traveled out of my home country at the age of 11. I was very lucky indeed being to travel in such a young age, not only to one, but 3 countries (Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan) and transit in Singapore (first time touching my feet there). But before that, I had been travelling all around the islands where I lived in car with my parents and siblings, and domestic plane or even boat to my father's hometown.

Then I studied overseas as young as eighteen and to further country when I was twenty. While on school holiday, I traveled mostly by trains to other cities and neighboring countries. Sometimes, it took me three flights and trip more than 24 hours to reach the other side of the world, to cut cost (the more you transits, the cheaper your flight is).

Since my late 20s, after diagnosed with SLE, I started to travel to countries I wanted to visit. First on the list, was Tibet. But sometimes, fate led me to countries I even had never heard before - so many of them - thanks to my parents who led me visiting them as they brought me along as their company. Countries like Bhutan and Nepal, Iceland, Baltic countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia), Russia, and so on.

Fate brought me to explore India. My dream to meet Dalai Lama has not come true yet. It has been years since my failed attempt, and until now, I still have not made them realized yet. But the company had brought me to Buddha pilgrimage places - I had been dreamed visiting them since my middle school time. Not only that. I also managed to explore Sikkim, including Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and visited many Tibetan temples.

Through good friend, I managed to visit Sri Lanka (never ever thought visiting the country before), Vietnam, Thailand (the Golden Triangle), Myanmar, West America (LA, Las Vegas, SF). Later on, I managed to make my dream came true by visiting UK, Central Europe (Hungary, Slovakia, Czech), back to my school in Switzerland, and second visit to Denmark and Sweden.

Later on, I started touring with group tour to places that were more convenient to go with the tour group, such as: Balkan countries (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia, plus Venice in Italy), Mongolia, Central Asia - the five -Tans (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan), and recently to the East America and Canada.

I never count how many countries I ever visited but I think it should have been more than 50 countries. And it does not stop here. As long as my feet, body, mind, leave, and wallet allows, I will still travel and explore to visit other parts of the world. 

The job has made the travel slow, but it allows me to earn and save the money to travel. With the mercy of my Boss, it allowed me to spend time with family too apart from days taken for traveling. 

There are still a lot of country I have not visited yet. But I hope, one day, I will able to visit all of them, one at a time, slowly, but sure :D

Talking with stranger

We're just strangers with some memories

Many people do not like to talk with the stranger. Especially these days, when scammers are everywhere trying to empty your bank account.

Let me share you about my story. 

I am an introvert. But since I often go out alone, travel alone, eat alone, shop alone, even often work alone, I realize that I have been talking more often to strangers these days. Sometime I even find it myself bizarre why I was doing it. Hahaha... :D

Well, let me share with you some of the occasions on why I talked with them.

My hubby works even on weekend. So I usually spend one of the weekend alone. One day I cycled to the newly opened hawker center in my neighborhood area. It was my first time visiting it and not knowing on what to eat. I ordered food based on my craving plus teh tarik, and managed to get a two-seat table in that crowded place.

I was sitting alone. But since the place was really crowded, one lady asked if she could sit on the empty seat next to me. I said, "sure!" almost immediately. Because, why not? 

She was wearing apron and carrying lunch box plus water bottle filled with various Chinese herbs. Just by seeing her, I knew that she must be one of the staffs working there, going to have her lunch break.

Well, I am an observant freak. Hahaha... :P I often observe people in my quietness. I also like to read people's body language.

At first she took her mobile phone, scrolling, listening and sending voice message. It is very common to see people having their meal and focusing their eyes on mobile phone, as a sign that they do not want to be disturbed, which I do myself occasionally too. 

Then soon after, she kept her phone into her pocket and started focusing on the steamed brown color bun, which was filled with vegetable, ham and egg in the middle, some kind of Chinese burger, but I was 100% sure that it was not sold anywhere in Singapore, which means, it was handmade.

I saw her eating and her minds seemed just occupied with some little thought but nothing serious or big in particular. Her eyes were blank and looking at afar, seemed not to any particular thing. 

Then I guessed, it would be no harm to make a small talk with her, just to let her forget about her daily chores for a while, and answer them just as herself truly.

So I started the conversation by asking if she was working in one of the stalls here.

By appearance, she looked older than me (like in her 50s, with ahjumma style hair and dressing, a bit plump, and not too old). She was a bit surprised that stranger asked her questions, but soon, I could feel she became feeling relaxed and responsive well to my questions. Especially when we came from a similar background.

We both were coming not from Singapore, but have stayed for many years and settled down here. We were married with one kid. 

From our conversation, I managed to know where she lived (not in detail, of course), when she started moving house in this area, how old was her son, which school he studied, which year, what major, what he liked doing at home, at what age he came to Singapore, whom she married with, where she worked (current and previous job), how long, what she did, nationalities of the current bosses, etc.

It was raining so I did not have to rush as I needed the rain to stop before I continued cycling, while  her lunch break would take around 45 minutes to an hour. 

The person looked approachable and I wanted to know how they felt (at that point of time) about their lives here in Singapore.

I mean, Singapore is such a small country but so many people have come here, to study, to work, to get married, to retire, and so on. There is no harm in finding out about other people's lives, not having particular reason in it. Just out of my curiosity.

Stranger talks :D

Another time I chatted with stranger was when I was queuing to check in for my flight. This time, a young Chinese lady, a student, who was having a short holiday, wanted to continue her vacation in Hong Kong. 

We were chatting high and low, up and down. She was so eager in sharing about her life. She studied in Beijing and I told her I used to study there too. When she asked me when, I told her that it was almost two decades ago.

She was shocked!!! She thought I was in her age from the way I dressed, talked, laughed. And when I told her my son was in 20s, she was even surprised!!! Hahahaha.... she must be shocked that all that while, she was talking with ahjumma, and not a young student like her :D Lucky for her that by then, we had reached to the check-in counter. After that, we both went to our way separately. :D

Since I work only with my Boss, I often go for lunch by myself. And I found out that I would chat with a stranger who share the table with me. Sometimes, I asked them how much they paid for the food that they purchased. Sometimes, I asked whether their food nice or not, whether it was worth buying or not. 

Sometimes, when queuing for the food, when there was a 1-for-1 promotion, I even shared the promotion with the stranger who was standing behind me. First, I checked with her first if she wanted to buy 1 or 2. When she said 1, then I would ask if she wanted to share the 1-for-1 promotion with me and we shared the cost. Since it was half price, of course she said yes.

Later on, after she paid be through Paynow, I would be able to see the name. When the name seemed like Indonesian name, I would ask if she was from there and more chat would continue until we both received our order and leave in separate way.

Quote by Aristotle ("Man is a social animal.")

When I was travelling alone in Shanghai, I went to the Shanghai restaurant selling the famous Michelin Xiao Long Bao shop. There were few dishes I wanted to try. But if I ordered too many, for sure I could not finish them. I ordered two dishes and took my seat. 

After ordering, one lady who queue behind me, came to the same direction towards my table. Since she was alone, I offered her to share the table with me.

Then we started to talk. I mean, I started the conversation. Hahaha... 

From there, I knew that she was Japanese, coming to Shanghai for short holiday, and travelled alone, just like me. We talked until our food came. She only ordered 1 basket of xiao long bao. So, since I ordered two dishes and could not finish, I asked her if she wanted to share my dumpling soup. 

She must have read the food review before coming too and was willing to try. So, it was great. We could share more dishes and not let the food wasted.

There were more occasions talking with stranger. When travelling, I liked talking with the Grab driver (especially on the long journey). Most of them were local and knew the country really well. That was why many Singaporean taxi driver was famous for being chatty while driving their passengers (although many were complaining about the government :D).

I talked to stranger while shopping at supermarket too. While picking fruits, choosing vegetables, and so on. Sometimes I could get one tip or two on how to choose a good quality of food. Which or where to buy, and so on.

Talking to stranger. They were not necessarily becoming a friend, but it could fill some part of your time and share your life with others, so they not becoming lonely or feeling alone. 

It does not mean I become a busybody or kaypoh too. Because for me, it was all just a 'hi' and 'bye' thing, a passing through moments that became memories in seconds. A reminder for myself, that I was not alone. Who knows what you do might help the other party one day.

Anyway, just wanted to share this bits and parts of my life with you here. If you also have an experience talking with stranger like me, and love doing it, you can share it in the comment here as well.

Places to eat in Shanghai :)

Below are some of the good food to eat in Shanghai, if you happen have a chance to visit Shanghai one day :)

Shanghai food:

 1. Lai Lai Xiao Long - 莱莱小笼 (Michelin)

Lailai Xiao Long - Must eat the crab and meat xiao long bao :)

Address: Huangpu, Tianjin Road No.504

Recommended food: crab and meat xiao long bao (soup dumpling) 8 pcs/basket - CNY46, ginger with vinegar (to enhance the depth of the xiao long bao flavor - CNY1 per small plate), fried pork cutlet - CNY25, crab and shrimp Wonton soup 8 pcs/bowl - CNY55. 

Open 8am-9.30pm. I was second in queue around 7.40am. Before, there was nobody. But once the queue was formed, it was getting longer, longer, and longer. You need to come early (slightly around or before 7.30am) to avoid longer waiting time. 

2. Xiao Shao Xing - 小绍兴

Xiao Shao Xing - Sliced boiled chicken or baizhanji :)

Address: Huangpu, Yunnan South Rd No. 69

Recommended food: sliced boiled cold chicken or baizhanji - CNY55 per500g or CNY77 for half chicken, scallion oil noodle - CNY8/bowl, and chicken congee - CNY3. 

The chicken dish may look simple but it is prepared with superior quality compared to ordinary poultry. It is served with dipping sauce.

It is a traditional brand food street shop (government owned) and has been there for a long time. If you prefer something to eat that is simpler and healthier, this is the place to go. My local Shanghai friend brought me here. It was perfect to have it with Qingdao beer :D

3. Da Hu Chun - 大壶春

Address: Huangpu, 11 Sichuan Rd (South) and many other branches.

Recommended food: pan fried pork buns - CNY11 for 4 pcs or small pans one - CNY39 for 10 pcs.

4. Xiao Yang's Sheng Jian or pan fried bun - 小杨生煎

Address: Hongyi Plaza 299 Nanjing Rd E or 178 Ningbo Rd and many other branches.

Recommended food: Xiao Yang pan fried pork buns - CNY13 for 4 pcs. If you want to try more choices, you can choose the 3 flavor in 1 plate (pork meat, prawn mala, and vegetables) - CNY24.50 for 6pcs. 

Personally, I like both the pork bun and prawn mala fillings. It is very juicy and tasty. Bite a little hole on the soft part of the skin, and slurp the juice before biting the big flesh, otherwise you will burst the whole juice out and become a waste :D I did not have a chance to visit Da Hu Chun and managed to try the 3 flavor pan fried bun here at Xiao Yang. It was good. You can add some sauce and chili oil provided by the restaurant.

Xiao Yang's and Xiesanbao combo - Must eat both :)

5. Xie San Bao - 蟹叁宝上海 

Address: Huangpu, Tianjin Road No.513 and many other branches

Recommended food: crab roe noodle, crab roe rice, crab roe porridge. I paid CNY103 for takeaway the crab roe noodle (inclusive of the warmer bag, plastic container and cutlery). It was better to eat it at the restaurant. They give two small side dishes (black fungus - really nice! and very salty beans - not to my liking) plus vinegar to be eaten with the noodle. 

I bought takeaway because my hotel is very near from this restaurant (only 3 minutes walk) so the noodle was still warm and the crab roe was still hot when I had it. It was not cheap but I really love the taste. The noodle was thin type, portion was just nice for me as I also takeaway 6 pieces of the Xiao Yang pan fried bun back to hotel. If I just had to eat it alone, perhaps I would order rice to make my stomach fuller. 

There are plenty of restaurants in Shanghai that sell the crab roe noodle. I chose this because it was the nearest from my hotel and it ended up good enough. Plus the staff who took my order was very good and friendly. She asked me not to go anywhere after ordering because it would be ready very fast (since I ordered noodle and had to be eaten fast to prevent soggy). The order really came in about 5 minutes time.

6. Shucaiji Sheng Jian - 舒菜记 生煎菜饭 

Address: Huangpu, 49 Yunnan Rd (Middle) and many other branches

Recommended food: pan fried pork buns - CNY10 for 4 pcs and vegetarian fried rice - CNY15 per plate.

7. Xian De Lai Chop Nian Gao -  鲜得来

Xian De Lai Pork Chop and Nian Gao or rice cake :)

Address: Huangpu, Yunnan South Rd No. 36

Recommended food: fried pork cutlet with 4 pieces of nian gao (rice cake) and soup (with 2 pieces of kind of yong dou fu items) - CNY23 per set.

This is also government operated and owned restaurant. That is why it sells the food with a very affordable prices. According to my local Shanghai friend, this local food was not that popular until one of the Chinese TV drama was taken at this restaurant. Since then, the sales was boosting up and everyone wanted to try the food.

FYI, pour the Xian De Lai soy sauce into your pork cutlet before eating to add the flavor. Not many people know this. Only local Shanghai people know about it :D

8. Wei Xiang Zhai Noodle Restaurant - 味香斋面点 (Michelin)

Address: Huangbu, Hubei Rd No. 151

Recommended food: sesame sauce noodle with scallion  - CNY14 per portion and beef broth - CNY10 per bowl.

Too bad my days were too short in Shanghai. The food here looks so delicious. Maybe one day when I visit Shanghai again, I will drop by and dine here.

9. Jia Jia Tang Bao - 佳家汤包

Address: Huangpu, Huanghe Rd No. 127

Recommended food: pork meat xiao long bao (soup dumpling) 12 pcs/basket - CNY23, scallion oil noddle - CNY12, dry crab roe noodle with soup set - CNY89, 

10. Huxi Lao Nong Tang Pork Liver Noodle - 沪西老弄堂面馆 

Address: Guang dong Rd, No. 500

Recommended food: clam and pig liver noodle - CNY38, large intestine noodle - CNY34, fried pork cutlet - CNY18.

If I have a chance to visit Shanghai again, I will definitely visit this shop!!! A must visit spot for pork liver noodle lover :)

Shanghai snacks/sweets:

1.Shen Dacheng - 沈大成

Shen Dacheng - tasty and sweet green red bean rice ball qingtuan :)

Address: 636 Nanjing Rd (East) - the only Branch that make the fresh one.

Recommended food: shuang niang tuan (双酿团) - CNY5, jin tuan (金团) - CNY5, tiaotou gao (条头糕) - CNY4 and red bean qingtuan (青团) - CNY5 or egg yolk with pork floss qingtuan- CNY8. All is made of glutinous rice. 

2. Shanghai Hongkou Gaotuan Foodstuff Factory - 虹口糕团 

Address: Jingan Nanjing West Rd No. 969 (Tongli Commercial Building F B1)

Recommended food: glutinous rice cakes wrapped with sesame and youtiao 全家福 - CNY10

3. Park Hotel Deli - 国际饭店西饼屋

Park Hotel Deli - famous butterfly (sweet and savory) cookies. Perfect for gifts back home :)

Address: Huangpu, Huanghe Rd No. 28

Recommended food: the original sweet - CNY32 and cheese savory butterfly cookies - CNY35

Got to know about this from my local Shanghai friend. He was the one who recommended me to buy this when I mentioned about the butterfly pastry. The queue was crazy. It took him 70 minutes starting from the + Junction traffic light until the ordering place. He was kindly queueing on my behalf as I had to go back to hotel to pack and check out :D Both flavor are delicious. Each has its unique strength. Worth queueing for!!! :) Fyi, you can smell the fragrant butter while queueing from a far :D

4. Panyongxing Cake - 潘甬兴糕点

Address: Jingan Wujiang Rd No. 269

Recommended food: Tiaotou cake, peppermint cake, mugwort rice cake, citrus cake or juhonggao, Handmade糍毛球 (sticky rice balls), 酒酿糕 osmanthus (fermented rice cake);小米糕 (millet cake) and黑米糕 (black rice cake).

Western Bakery in Shanghai:

It has been a trend these days with the upcoming western bakeries in Shanghai. People post at TikTok bringing awareness of these bakeries that not only having wide variety of breads and cakes, but also have Instragammable outlook. Brands like Butterful and Cremorous, Amamlon Bakery Town, Fascino or Fengshengli, the Bakehouse Grand Liz, Pompi Tiramisu, etc. like what you can see at the photo below. All these can be found near West Nanjing Rd metro.

You can also found good cafes and beverage shops like Birdie Cup Coffee or Xiaoniaobei, Manner Coffee, Chagee Bawang Chaji, Goolden, Tims Tianhao Coffee, and so on.

Birdie cup coffee - Nice one :)

And you can find many at other places too, good place to take a break after walking or shopping too much. Hahahaha.... :P Also the best place to chit chat with old friends :)

Manner Coffee

Since I only had 3 days 2 nights stay in Shanghai, I tried those that I could not find in Singapore. So I had to miss Luckin coffee and Chagee although it was much cheaper than in Singapore :D 

There are many more food establishments that you can visit during your stay in Shanghai. I only covered a few here since I had a short visit this time. But I hope, it could help you for your next visit there. Hope you can enjoy the Shanghai delicacies as I did. Happy eating!!! :)

Bukan Siapa Siapa (Nobody)

:)

That night, I felt a sense of peace and emptiness. Emptiness here, in a good way, in the sense that nothing held me down from whatever feelings and emotions that used to bother me a lot, sending me to the roller-coaster ride kind of mood, plus attachment filled with care, worry, and at the same time, love. It took time to get rid and brush off whatever bit that was left behind in the corner of my brain and heart.

As I turned pages of old notes, it brought me to the past for a while. But this time, I could laugh myself off, instead of feeling fury or disappointed. It was all the matter of the past. No longer break me down. No longer affect the present time. 

I lie down freely on my bed. Freedom. Peace. And love, for myself and those who deserved it. 

Bukan Siapa Siapa (Nobody) by Ajahn Brahm

I picked the book from my bed side - Bukan Siapa Siapa (Nobody) - written by Ajahn Brahm, which I found it from book corner in Clarke Quay last month. It was in Indonesian language, perhaps fated for me to pick and read. I had just started reading it, so could not comment much. But let me share with you the review done by one of the readers posted in Goodreads:

"Ajahn Brahm gives a brilliantly cogent and captivating case for developing nibbida--repulsion-- toward all attachments, particularly the body, and the "I, me, and mine" that are at the root of all suffering. Be a "nobody", Ajahn Brahm extols. Who can be the biggest nobody? By being nobody, by not expecting from life what it cannot provide, you can release yourself from suffering. A truly counter-intuitive viewpoint from a culture that enhances the "I, me and mine", Brahm argues for monastic life, and to "extinguish the flame" of rebirth that continually perpetuates the inherent suffering in life. Yes, his case for monastic life presumes the function and reiteration of karma, but Brahm distills Buddha's insights to show that life is STILL suffering, and that suffering is increasing exponentially. The brilliance of Brahm's (the Buddha's) insight is the universal power that comes from simplicity. Brahm uses accessible arguments that belie the complex simplicity of Buddhist metaphysics and psychology. I'm not sure how deeply I will practice the art of disappearing, but it has provided me with unforgettable alternatives for the suffering which is at the heart of existence. If I do not disappear, I have nonetheless gained powerful tools to lessen the grasp of the id and ego, which promise satisfaction, but produce only pain."

"I, me, and mine" - represented ego, the root of all suffering. If it happened to others, 'I' would not feel the pain. But when it happened to 'me', it hurt like hell. And as long as what was lost or broken was not 'mine', I would not feel the pinch either. That was the easiest way to tell you what attachment was. 

But theory was always easier to understand. When things really happened to ourselves, it was really difficult to overcome. And it took time for us to accept the reality, to adjust our mindset, and to relieve the pain. It was fine to be absorbed by sadness, but do not let it hold too long. Many pain in our heart created disease to our physical body without we realized. 

Living and focusing at the present moment. Be aware and mindful of our own feeling. And aim towards something better. Remember, you are not the only one experiencing all the pain. Everyone else does too. Let us heal as time goes by. Time is the best medicine to forgive and forget. Grow wiser, be a better human being. Live, love, and laugh, make others happy in any way that you can. Let go the past. Let bygones be bygones.

Last day of 2024

Thank you to you know who you are :)

After finishing a bowl of mee hoon kway yesterday afternoon, I opened a message from my Boss. She said if there was nothing, I could close the office for half day and tomorrow too. Wow!!! I was really grateful and thankful for having such a wonderful Boss. I finished whatever I was doing, informed her to approve the payment, packed my stuffs and went back home. 

And today, it was the last day of the year 2024.

What would you do on this day? Some went to office (mostly half day) to work. Some had to work overtime (not that they wanted to, but it was just one of the busiest days of the year). Some went shopping. Some went to religious places like church, temple, mosque, and so on, to pray and to thank their God for the passing 2024.

Quiet morning doing what I love doing :)

As for me, this morning I chose to spend my time at the coffee shop ordering a cup of kopi-o and my favorite hazelnut munchi pancake (the filling was just like the one inside Ferrero Rocher chocolate). I brought the book that I currently read to the coffee shop too. I ate, drank, and read at the same time. I sat down at one corner and quietly enjoyed my morning :)

"Intermezzo"by Sally Rooney

I checked the opening time of the library. After clearing my empty cup, I walked there. I returned one book through the return book machine then I checked the library apps for the available book that I was eyeing for, and yessss!!!, there was one available. I immediately walked towards the shelf, grabbed it, and scanned it using the apps! Yihaaaa!!! So happy to finally find it!!! :)

Peaceful, calm, and quiet library :)

I found a seat near the shelf, sat myself down comfortably, with both legs folded, and continued reading my book. It was a peaceful, calm and quiet. Not many people chose to spend the last day of their year to read inside the library. But I was happy that I did. 

I went back home around 1pm, heading to the fridge and steaming the food that came from my hometown. There was nothing better than hometown food, I guessed. Added some sweet sauce, squeeze dried the lime, added some bawang goreng and Kerupuk, and it was perfect!!! :)

The weather was cloudy today and it was perfect to sit at my favorite spot at home, which was balcony. I opened my journal. My hand was moving non-stop as my mind did. It poured up with words that just came out of my mind. Every single thing that came up, I just wrote it down. Soon, 8 pages was filled up. Haha....

As the age increased, I really learned and experienced many things. I changed and evolved too. I used to think that I would never grow up, and always behaved so childish. But I realised, I was no longer who I was before. 

My thought on many aspects in life had incredibly changed too!! Especially in friendship and relationship. 

And as the age increased, things in mind often went backwards. Negative thought sometimes appeared uninvited. But then, one morning when you woke up, suddenly gratefulness was all over. If those things that you regretted never happened, you would never experience the beautiful things that came along with too. And things that seemed to be regrets, were no longer regrets. It was actually enhancer, the betterment, the add points for the current situation, the immense gratitude for what you were actually having at the present moments. It was like "there would be no rainbows without sunshine and rain" quote. 

My 2025 resolutions

Whatever things were, beautiful and sad, it was no longer there. It was all in the past and no longer need to occupy any space in our heart. Let it go. Just like those beautiful friendships that could no longer be retained, just let them go. Many times, I thought I could retain them as much effort and heart I could give, but I was wrong. Not everyone thought the same way and had the same intention. So what I could do was to let them go and treasure those who stay.

I jotted down my 2025 resolutions on my journal too. I have already had in mind places i wanted to visit this year and I want to spend solitude time more or otherwise with people whom deserve it. So, wish everyone a wonderful year ahead, with whatever goals, resolutions and plans of yours. It is all different for each individual but whatever it is, I really wish you all a smooth sailing of year 2025, may you be blessed with good health and tons of happiness ahead!!! Cheers..... :)

Beauty of Kyrgyzstan - Places we visited in Issyk-Kul Region

Beautiful nature in the land of Kyrgyzstan :)

Here we are!!! Let me share with you the wonderful nature in the land of Kyrgyzstan :)

Broken Heart - Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

On our way from Karakol to Bokonbayevo Village, we passed through few places, mostly beautiful nature that were not to be missed!!! First, we stopped by to see a large cliff that looked like a heart broken into two, that was why it was called the "broken heart". 

Djety-Oguz or "Seven Bulls" Rock Formation in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Soon after, we stopped again to see the 35km length Djety-Oguz (in Kyrgyz language, it means "seven bulls" since the rock formation composed by tertiary (Paleogene) reddish deposits shaped just like it. There were many legends about the this rock formation, so with the 'broken heart' and they had become the symbols of the Issyk-Kul region and favorite images for photographs and paintings (As to say: "If you have not seen it yet, means you have not been to Issyk-Kul region").

Sea buckthorn tree - Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

Not far from here, we saw many sea buckthorn trees on the side of the road. Our driver stopped by and cut one of the branch full of it and gave it for us to eat when we reached to our next accommodation. Remember the last post where Issyk-Kul Brand Shop was one of the must visit places in Karakol and sea buckthorn juice was one of the local product produced and sold over there? So this was how the fruits and the tree looked like. You could eat it raw and just plucked it directly from the tree.

The first waterfall - Barskoon Gorge, Kyrgyzstan

We drove to Barskoon Gorge and hiked up to see the cascading waterfalls named as "Tears of the Leopard," "White Beard," "Splashes of Champagne," and "The Bowl of Manas", named after the legends. So many legends to be found here in Kyrgyzstan. The above photo was the first waterfall we visited, which was also the nearest and easiest to reach.

"Tears of the Leopard Waterfall" - Barskoon Gorge, Kyrgyzstan

The "Tears of the Leopard" came from the story of the female leopard cried when she lost her three children while went hunting. The tears then became a waterfall with three ledges. This was the second waterfall we visited, said to be the most beautiful one among the three. Here, you could see the beautiful Tian Shan furs (spruce-like trees) and barberry trees (you could see the barberry fruits on the picture above :)).

One of the two Yuri Gagarin monuments at Barskoon Gorge, Kyrgyzstan

We saw one of the first astronaut's monuments in the area - Yuri Gagarin - as he often visited this place, spent some time here to recover from his mission to space.

Horses for rent - Barskoon Gorge, Kyrgyzstan

The view was really beautiful. The air was fresh. Nature was all you could see. You could pay and ride the horse if you wanted to. I chose to hike instead as I had been eating too much and needed to do some exercise :D

All these places were located near the Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the largest and deepest mountain lakes in the world that did not freeze even in the coldest winter, surrounded by the beautiful Tian Shan mountains. You could check the Kyrgyzstan map out and see how big the lake was and where were the places I mentioned located. And wherever we went, we could see the beautiful Tian Shan following us.

Royal Gate Yurt - Issyk-kul, Kyrgyzstan

The above photo was one of  the yurt camps that were available for rent (quite a new one), overlooking the lake and also the snow capped Tian Shan mountain range. We stopped there to have our lunch and I had a chance to see the view inside the yurt. Most yurt was equipped with personal bathroom (unlike some who had separate share bathrooms and toilets). You could see yourself how beautiful it was!!!

Skazka Canyon or the Fairy Tale Canyon - Kyrgyzstan 

And before we moved to our "private rent" yurt camp (since it was only us stayed in the area for the night), we headed to one last beautiful nature of Kyrgyzstan called the Skazka Canyon or known as "Fairy Tale Canyon". 

Skazka Canyon or the Fairy Tale Canyon - Kyrgyzstan

Skazka Canyon or the Fairy Tale Canyon - Kyrgyzstan

This was the place where you could see the limestone clusters, bulging sandstone and the colorful soil, one of the best destinations to visit in Kyrgyzstan. If you plan to visit Kyrgyzstan, this place is a must visit place!!! 

With our lovely guide - Ms Aisuluu at Skazka Canyon, Kyrgyzstan 

Formed as a result of thousands years of ice, water and wind erosion, this magnificent desert like landscape had transformed into an array of sculptures and formations, where red, yellow, orange and brown spires of rocks rise out of the earth and into the sky.

Talking with stone - Skazka Canyon, Kyrgyzstan

Skazka Canyon or the Fairy Tale Canyon - Kyrgyzstan

At this point of time, you could see all the photos I took, it was like I was the only visitors of this magnificent place and it seemed like those produced for the post cards, weren't they? We were very lucky and grateful indeed because there were not many visitors visiting this place when we were there. I mean, some area was small and meant to be climbed in a very small group of people. I could not imagined how it would be if a big group of people visiting this place at the same time.

You need to wear shoes with strong grip as to prevent slippery while climbing. It was not advisable for people who had weak knees. It was advisable to walk with your guide as well since the area was huge. You might get lost if you wander around alone because no signage available. And yes, we were lucky too for the great weather!!! :)

Statue of Sayakbay Karalaev - Kyrgyzstan

We passed by the above statue on our way to our camp. It was the statue of Sayakbay Karalaev - a Soviet and Kyrgyz famous storyteller and manaschi (a reciter of the epic Kyrgyz poem Manas). You could find his face in the 500 som note of Kyrgyz money too :)

Sunset view at Elistet Yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan 

We had a really great time exploring the Skazka Canyon and our driver drove as fast as he could so that we could catch a lovely sunset view from our yurt camp :)

View from our room - Elistet Yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan

We stayed at Elistet Yurt camp, a very beautiful camp where all of our yurts were overlooking to the lake (you could wake up with sunrise view in front of you). The room was very big for 2 of us (they gave us one double and one single bed inside). There was standing jacuzzi inside the big bathroom too where you could take a bath and listen to the radio at the same time.

Overlooking Issyk-Kul Lake - Elistet Yurt Camp, Kyrgyzstan 

Below, we could take the staircase down and visit the lake that were made looking just like a sea or the beach with sands. The mountain views at the side was equally marvelous. Apart from the usual green mountains, you could also see the colorful ranges of mountains :)

Dinner at Elistet Yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan 

They prepared our dinner freshly cooked there. As the appetizer, we were served beef cooked with cucumber, colorful paprika and tomato together with the local bread and butter. A big bowl of chicken soup was perfect for a cooling night (and also for its nutritious value). As main, we were served with white rice and another sautéed beef with vegetables.  

Full moon night at Elistet Yurt Camp, Kyrgyzstan. My favorite photo :)

It was a full moon night. There were cats and dog at the area. This cute and playful kitten entertained us during our stay there. He ran here and there surrounding us. They even wanted to come inside our rooms. Hahahaha... It reminded me of my roommate who ran here and there, trying to shoo the kitten away from entering :D Thank you Claudia for capturing the lovely photo above. Love it so much!! Also for the local beer treat ;P Cheers!!!!

To summarize, let me share this Youtube video "Welcome to Kyrgyzstan" where you can see the beauty of Kyrgyzstan with a lovely music and song :)

Cheers to 20 years, Overcome Life!!! :)

Cheers!!! :)

Just realised now that this blog has been with me for 20 years now. Wow!!! Look how far I have grown and how much memories and moments I have made! It is incredible!!! It is really like a diary, that I can open anytime, to see what kind of event I went through, what mood I experienced, what songs I listened to, what lesson I learned, and so on. 

Life has been good for the past 20 years and of course it is without hiccups in between. Many things I want to forget, many things I still want to do too. I am still grateful for everything, especially for the good health (15 years of SLE and still going strong), only that I prefer a slow life these days with handful of people who are close to my heart. 

Could not believe how many countries I have been to for the past 20 years and that was the drive of living my life to the fullest while my legs still can walk.

I know one day I will be gone from this world. But as long as I live, I will still write what I want to write, express all what I feel. Just as when as I want, have feeling and have time. 

Time to sleep now. Once again, cheers to 20 years reeverking.blogspot. Thank you for being there for me always and all the readers (if you are still there to read my non sense post or just to see beautiful photos that I share).

Wish everyone be blessed with good health and happiness. Take care and smile always :) Hope there will be more decades to go in this blog journey. Cheers.... :)))

Kyrgyzstan - Land of Kyrgyz

Statue of Manas and Kyrgyzstan flag in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan

Bordering with Kazakhstan, China, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country blessed with Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. Bishkek is the capital and also the largest city in Kyrgyzstan. 

Issyk Kul Lake, Tian Shan mountain range and Kyrgyz flag reflections :)

It is also part of the Silk Road with Issyk Kul Lake as one of the stopover (a land route for traders, merchants, and other travelers from the far east to Europe) and was inhabited by succession tribes and clans, such as Turkic nomads, Mongol empire, Manchu-led Qing Dynasty of China, Dzungar Khanate, Russian empire, Soviet Union (USSR), and finally independent in August 31, 1991.

Beautiful nature of Kyrgyzstan :)

The word 'Kyrgyz' - in Turkic word means 'we are forty', which refers to the 40 clans of Manas, a legendary hero who united the forty regional clans into a single country back in 9th century. 

Ethnic Kyrgyz is the majority of its over 7 million population, followed by minorities of Russian, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Germans, Tatars, Kazakhs, Dungans (Hui; Chinese Muslims), Uighurs, and Tajiks. Languages spoken are Kyrgyz, Russian, Tajik, Uzbek, and Uyghur. 

Beautiful Dungan Mosque in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz people used to raise livestock and engaged in farming. But since late 20th century, the country had become a source of nonferrous metals. There has also an increase in gold mining activities, plus they are rich in coal and some petroleum and natural gas. 

Herding in Kyrgyzstan

Pasture in Kyrgyzstan

It is said now 50% of Kyrgyz population that lives in rural areas - primarily farmers - are growing rice and vegetables in the area (doing agriculture), and also raising dairy cattle to reduce poverty, improve their income inequality, increase food security, and also to generate employment

On our way after crossing Kazakh and Kyrgyz border :)

On our way after crossing Kazakh - Kyrgyz border, we passed by many nomadic herder going back home after grazing wild vegetation in the area. Usually riding horse and accompanied by dog, at least two persons managed their hundreds of cattle, sheep, and horse. It was such a beautiful scenery, at least for me, who lives most of my life in city. And I still miss to watch them walking on the road in front of us :)

Lush pines, greeneries, horses, living in harmony - Kyrgyzstan

The country landscape is amazingly beautiful!!! Mountain ranges, lakes, valleys, rivers, deserts and plains offer beautiful natures wherever you go. Their famous tourist destinations include Karkara Gorge, Djetty Oguz Gorge (7 red stones formation "Broken Heart" and "Seven Bulls"), Barskoon Gorge with its cascading waterfalls, Skazka Canyon also known as "Fairy Tale" consisting of limestone clusters, bulging sandstone from the colorful soil, and so on. 

Will cover them more on my next blog post. Keep on reading and following my blog :)